ALL IN

The 2016-17 girls' varsity basketball team has some new faces, however, they have the same goals and even higher expectations than last season. This season's crew is small and young, but remain a talented and dedicated team.

The team returns key players like the Brown sisters, Kiana (So) & Kiara (Jr), as well as, Gillian Schlenner (Jr). The team adds transfers, Lacy Maclachlin (Jr) and Destyni Wood (Jr), along with freshmen Ashley Bohs, Phoenix Crawford, Ayanna Revnell, and Cheyenne Rivas. Unfortunately, Schlenner and Crawford start the season injured and unable to play, but plan to work hard on getting back on the court quickly. So yes, the team is young and short-handed, but this group of girls are dedicated and committed to going ALL IN.

Coach Guarente stated, "The first thing we discussed as a team was that simply having goals is not enough. Every team we play wants to win games, titles, and compile stats. Numbers and goals don't drive people. People with a purpose drive the numbers and achieve goals. Our athletes came up with a mission statement this season...To grow as young women while creating a bond with one another and laying the foundation for the future of the program in a positive environment.” Coach G continued with, "this statement is bigger than any one individual and I am hopeful it will provide a good reason to keep moving forward during challenging times. I am excited about what a team with this mindset can accomplish together."

The Cougars know what is at stake this year. Not only will they be defending their TCISL title, but the 2016-17 season marks the first year in program history that they will be eligible for the PIAA District 1 tournament. The team got little notoriety for its 20-3 record last year, but a heavy schedule this season is sure to turn heads. Seth Berger, coach of Westtown School (8th-ranked team in the nation) said, "CCS girls' basketball is going to surprise a lot of teams this year. Coach Guarente's group plays really well together and has at least three girls who can really score the ball."

So now it is up to them! The girls start their season at Cheltenham on Friday, Dec. 9th.

Follow the team through @CarltheCougar on twitter or collegiumathletics on Instagram.